Major League Baseball Commissioner Bud Selig announced today that baseball is stepping into the 21st century and will greatly expand its use of instant replay.

Beginning next season, almost all calls except balls and strikes will be subject to review.

Here's how it will work: Managers will be allowed one challenge over the first six innings of games and two after the seventh inning until the end of the game.

Calls that are challenged will be reviewed by a crew at the MLB headquarters in New York, which will make the final ruling. Managers would not be allowed out of the dugout to argue calls. They would instead inform umpires they are seeking a review.

Selig hailed the proposal as “a historic day’’ for baseball. Selig was initially an opponent to replay but has become more open in recent years.

The changes generated some talk around the Red Sox clubhouse prior to Thursday night's game.

Red Sox manager John Farrell said, "In general, the inclusion of video replay, I think it's good for the game. I think the game is ready for additional technology to be brought in."

"I think it’s a great thing," outfielder Jonny Gomes said. "I truly don’t think it’s a knock on the umpires, but the game is so fast now you need a backup."

Daniel Nava said, "You don't like to take the human element out of the game. That's what makes baseball baseball. But if it can help make some calls right, I think everyone's a fan of that."

The plan will be voted on at the owners meetings in November. A 75 percent vote by the owners is needed for approval and the players' association and umpires would have to agree to any changes to the current system.